What We Are Reading Today: Setting the People Free by John Dunn

Updated 25 October 2018
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What We Are Reading Today: Setting the People Free by John Dunn

  • John Dunn examines the differences and the extraordinary continuities that modern democratic states share with their Greek antecedents

Why does democracy— as a word and as an idea— loom so large in the political imagination, though it has so often been misused and misunderstood? Setting the People Free starts by tracing the roots of democracy from an improvised remedy for a local Greek difficulty 2,500 years ago, through its near extinction, to its rebirth amid the struggles of the French Revolution. 

Celebrated political theorist John Dunn then charts the slow but insistent metamorphosis of democracy over the next 150 years and its apparently overwhelming triumph since 1945. 

He examines the differences and the extraordinary continuities that modern democratic states share with their Greek antecedents and explains why democracy evokes intellectual and moral scorn for some, and vital allegiance from others. Now with a new preface and conclusion that ground this landmark work firmly in the present, Setting the People Free is a unique and brilliant account of an extraordinary idea.

John Dunn is professor emeritus of political theory at King’s College, University of Cambridge.


Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist. (Supplied)
Updated 30 January 2026
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Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

  • The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life

In today’s fashion landscape, a few brands stand out not just for selling clothes but for presenting a clear lifestyle vision.

Among these emerging names gaining attention regionally and internationally is Voyna 19, a contemporary women’s fashion label that blends modesty with modernity and offers a forward-looking take on elegance. 

At its core, Voyna 19 focuses on ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision, combining comfort with a bold artistic touch.

The brand recently launched its “Silence” fall-winter 2025/26 collection, which marks an evolution in its identity toward more structured, contemporary pieces.

The capsule emphasizes clean lines, geometric cuts and layering techniques that balance strength and femininity. Each piece is designed for flexibility and movement, catering to women seeking elegance that fits seamlessly into a modern, urban lifestyle.  

The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life.

The use of textures, precise tailoring and layered silhouettes demonstrates the brand’s commitment to blending practicality with high-concept design.  

While Voyna 19 excels in blending modernity with modesty, the brand could further diversify its palette and materials to appeal to a broader range of climates and cultural contexts.

Some pieces, though visually striking, may lean toward conceptual styling that might not fully translate into everyday wear for all women. Expanding accessibility in sizing and experimenting with more versatile, seasonless designs could help the brand to strengthen its global presence.  

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist.